What? 

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Using the Whiti Te Rā model, this enables an individual to explore various facets of their cultural identity. By contemplating one's cultural identity, this model enables the individual to identify areas where they should strive to learn more about themselves and their culture.

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Why?

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The Indigenous people of New Zealand, or the Māori people, possess a profoundly holistic perspective on well-being. Commencing with their self-perception, they do not regard humans as separate or superior to other species, but rather as integral parts of the entire world. A symbiotic relationship exists between humans and non-humans (including animals, as well as our physical surroundings). This viewpoint instils in the Māori a sense of responsibility towards caring for the land, as the land reciprocates by sustaining them. Moreover, this ethos extends to the community: they nurture those within their community, and their community, in turn, nurtures them. The interconnectedness of people, the environment, and the spiritual realm is a central tenet of their worldview.

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There is a model used in psychology and counselling for Māori people known as Whiti Te Rā. This model doesn’t just focus on the individual but also on all the aspects that give us strength in tough times. Whiti Te Rā is represented as an image of the sun with six sunrays. Each sunray (or hihi) represents a pathway that gives the Māori strength, namely:

• reo Māori: Māori language;

• taiao: connection with the environment;

• wairua: Māori spiritual beliefs and practices;

• mahi-a-toi: Māori expressive art forms;

• take pū whānau: Māori relational values;

• and whakapapa: intergenerational relationships.

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These sunrays can burn brightly or be covered by clouds, and some may be darker or brighter than others. When they’re the brightest, then you’re strongest. How can we make a sunray burn brighter? By immersing yourself in that topic, by learning more and engaging in activities related to this sunray. It can be as much or as little as is needed.

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“But how can I use this model if I’m not Māori?”

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The Māori people use this model to strengthen their cultural identity, allowing them to be more secure in who they are, and working towards their well-being. We can use these six themes, and ask ourselves valuable questions about ourselves, and who we are, regardless of where we’re from.

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The six themes are:

• Language

• Connection with the environment

• Spiritual beliefs and practices

• Expressive art forms

• Relational values

• Intergenerational relationships

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